Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Reflection 5301 Action Research 8/11/2010
This week's focus was on "assessing the quality of inquiry." The Dana text explained how to assess the quality of our work and how to assess how the action research plan can be transferable to others. We learned about five indicators for practitioner research. I also learned how to assess my action research plan by learning to ask myself detailed questions to identify if my plan is clear, relevant, and if can be implemented with a clear focus on the future.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Revised Action Research Plan( overview) 8/5/2010
Action Research Plan ( Overview)
Goal: To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on questionnaires and interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project. I will also use the Force Field Analysis to help sustain improvement.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test, while at the same time preparing for the future.
Action Steps
1. Conduct Research on Science vocabulary games and activities
Person(s)Responsible: Andrea
Timeline Start/End: September 2010- November 2011
Needed Resources: computer
Evaluation:Assessments, and observation of staff by administration, Student Science benchmarks
2.Take field notes to capture what is occurring in the classrooms, P.E. and Music classes to assess the implementation, and effectiveness of the activities to review Science vocabulary
Person(s)Responsible: Andrea, Music teacher, and P.E. teacher
Timeline Start/End: Weekly, September 2010- January 2011
Needed Resources: notebook, and computer
Evaluation: Meeting with teachers who are participating in the research and assessments of the students
3. Continue Vocabulary review during lunch and recess
Person(s)Responsible: lunch/recess duty teachers
Timeline Start/End: September 2010-May 2011
Needed Resources: Vocabulary cards
Evaluation:Benchmark assessment, Data team discussion
4. Implement vocabulary games and activities in the classroom, Music, and P.E.
Person(s)Responsible: Science teachers, Music teacher and P.E. teachers
Timeline Start/End: Weekly, September 2010-April 2011
Needed Resources: Vocabulary games and activities on Science Vocabulary
Evaluation: Review progress using benchmark data
Goal: To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on questionnaires and interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project. I will also use the Force Field Analysis to help sustain improvement.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test, while at the same time preparing for the future.
Action Steps
1. Conduct Research on Science vocabulary games and activities
Person(s)Responsible: Andrea
Timeline Start/End: September 2010- November 2011
Needed Resources: computer
Evaluation:Assessments, and observation of staff by administration, Student Science benchmarks
2.Take field notes to capture what is occurring in the classrooms, P.E. and Music classes to assess the implementation, and effectiveness of the activities to review Science vocabulary
Person(s)Responsible: Andrea, Music teacher, and P.E. teacher
Timeline Start/End: Weekly, September 2010- January 2011
Needed Resources: notebook, and computer
Evaluation: Meeting with teachers who are participating in the research and assessments of the students
3. Continue Vocabulary review during lunch and recess
Person(s)Responsible: lunch/recess duty teachers
Timeline Start/End: September 2010-May 2011
Needed Resources: Vocabulary cards
Evaluation:Benchmark assessment, Data team discussion
4. Implement vocabulary games and activities in the classroom, Music, and P.E.
Person(s)Responsible: Science teachers, Music teacher and P.E. teachers
Timeline Start/End: Weekly, September 2010-April 2011
Needed Resources: Vocabulary games and activities on Science Vocabulary
Evaluation: Review progress using benchmark data
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Week 4 Reflection of Action Research Plan EDLD 5301
As I read the Harris text and specifically the section on Force Field Analysis, I was reminded that there will definitely be resisting forces to my action research plan. My biggest concern will be time to research and implement the activities needed for my action research project. With the day to day commitment of a teacher, it may be a challenge to find time to balance the classes, research project, and internship. My solution to this issue is to schedule specific dates, and times to focus on the research project in order to not feel over-whelmed with the daily demands of my job and responsibilities.
The other challenge I may face is commitment and participation from others. My action research project will require other faculty members to commit, and be willing to participate in the action research plan. In order to incorporate Science vocabulary into other specialty classes such as (Music and P.E.); it will take the cooperation and commitment from other teachers. I realize that time is an issue for all teachers. However, my solution to this issue is to provide support to the staff, and students involved in the action research project. I plan to create, and provide simple, exciting, activities that will maintain the interest of both the students and teachers. I will also provide all of the materials needed for the activities to make it easier for them to implement the activities on a consistent basis.
I realize that when new ideas are presented to a staff, many are reluctant and are not in favor of change. Therefore my goal will be to emphasize the purpose and benefits of implementing the activities to help improve our students Science benchmark scores. I will continue to encourage and support them throughout the research project to help ensure that the forces that drive the change out way forces that resist the change.
I will conduct a Force Field Analysis to help discuss the driving and resisting forces that could arise.
For example:
1. Describe the current situation.
I will explain the problems and challenges our students face when taking Science assessments and previous year results to our staff.
2. Describe the proposed change.
I will explain my action research plan and its purpose. I will also provide simple exciting activities that will not require a lot of effort on their part.
3. Identify what will happen if no change occurs.
To address this, I will explain how we will continue to see the same results on benchmark test, and continue to see the lowest quartile students struggle on Science vocabulary
4. Identify the forces driving the proposed change.
I will explain reasons why we need to make changes to help our students to be more successful on Science test. I will also provide as much support as possible.
5. Identify the forces resisting the change.
I will attempt to address their concerns and encourage them to continue the activities and emphasize how much it will benefit the students
The other challenge I may face is commitment and participation from others. My action research project will require other faculty members to commit, and be willing to participate in the action research plan. In order to incorporate Science vocabulary into other specialty classes such as (Music and P.E.); it will take the cooperation and commitment from other teachers. I realize that time is an issue for all teachers. However, my solution to this issue is to provide support to the staff, and students involved in the action research project. I plan to create, and provide simple, exciting, activities that will maintain the interest of both the students and teachers. I will also provide all of the materials needed for the activities to make it easier for them to implement the activities on a consistent basis.
I realize that when new ideas are presented to a staff, many are reluctant and are not in favor of change. Therefore my goal will be to emphasize the purpose and benefits of implementing the activities to help improve our students Science benchmark scores. I will continue to encourage and support them throughout the research project to help ensure that the forces that drive the change out way forces that resist the change.
I will conduct a Force Field Analysis to help discuss the driving and resisting forces that could arise.
For example:
1. Describe the current situation.
I will explain the problems and challenges our students face when taking Science assessments and previous year results to our staff.
2. Describe the proposed change.
I will explain my action research plan and its purpose. I will also provide simple exciting activities that will not require a lot of effort on their part.
3. Identify what will happen if no change occurs.
To address this, I will explain how we will continue to see the same results on benchmark test, and continue to see the lowest quartile students struggle on Science vocabulary
4. Identify the forces driving the proposed change.
I will explain reasons why we need to make changes to help our students to be more successful on Science test. I will also provide as much support as possible.
5. Identify the forces resisting the change.
I will attempt to address their concerns and encourage them to continue the activities and emphasize how much it will benefit the students
Revised Action Research Plan
Action Research Plan ( Overview)
Goal:
To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on questionnaires and interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project. I will also use the Force Field Analysis to help sustain improvement.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test, while at the same time preparing for the future.
Goal:
To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on questionnaires and interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project. I will also use the Force Field Analysis to help sustain improvement.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test, while at the same time preparing for the future.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Reflection -Research 5301 Week 3
This weeks assignment was very helpful in allowing me to reflect carefully plan for my action research project. The 8 steps from analysis to action by Sandra Harris was very beneficial in the planning process. I look forward to researching activities, and games that will be used school wide to help our students to achieve academic success in Science.
Action Research Plan Revised
Action Research Plan ( Overview)
Goal:
To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students’ academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test.
NOTE: Unable to copy and paste complete plan
Goal:
To determine what activities can be implemented school wide, to help 5th grade students to recall Science vocabulary, to help improve students’ academic performance on Science standardized test.
Question:
What actions can our faculty take school wide, to help improve our student’s ability to recall Science vocabulary, and improve academic performance on standardized test?
Analyzing Data/Determining direction:
We will use quantitative measures of student achievement in Science from previous years, as well as benchmark scores and weekly vocabulary quizzes to monitor students’ progress.
Developing Deeper Understanding:
We will collect data based on interviews with teachers who are implementing the activities on a daily basis to monitor the effectiveness of the project.
Outcome:
By the use of vocabulary review activities throughout the school, students will improve their knowledge of vocabulary terms, which will improve academic performance on standardized test.
NOTE: Unable to copy and paste complete plan
Friday, July 23, 2010
Reflection on Action Research 7/23/2010
Dr. Chargois and Dr. Lewis during their interviews related to action research the importance of collecting and analyzing data. Both scholars explained the importance of being data driven and how to use the data to desegregate the collected information, to help find solutions to problems or questions.
Dr. Lewis also emphasized how action research must be practical , to ensure the research applies to your own situation or environment. I learned that , if your research is not relevant to your own school, then it will not benefit you or your students. This is why it is important for us to take the time to reflect on current issues or problems that occur at our schools and use action research to find solutions.
Dr. Lewis also emphasized how action research must be practical , to ensure the research applies to your own situation or environment. I learned that , if your research is not relevant to your own school, then it will not benefit you or your students. This is why it is important for us to take the time to reflect on current issues or problems that occur at our schools and use action research to find solutions.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs
Blogging allows principals to post professional thoughts, questions, or experiences on a website which can be read by other principals and allows them to respond. Through blogging, principals can develop collaboration and support for one another. Blogging allows principals to share their insights, issues, and ideas in a forum that allows other principals to read and respond. Blogging also gives principals an opportunity to reflect on their day to day practices in hopes of making informative decisions. Blogs can also serve as an online diary, where principals can post news about research they are currently engaged in. The principals who are researching an combine text, images, and links to other blogs, as well as post comments in an interactive format.
Action Research-Intro
Action research allows principals as well as future principals to engage in reflection and focus on the concerns or problems their school may have. Action research allows principals to engage in systematic study of their administrative practices, and take action for change based on what they have learned as a result of reflection and research. Action research involves the principal's assessment and possible solutions based on data collected within the confines of their school.
Action research is beneficial now as a student as well as a future administrator. Action research is beneficial because it allows me to focus on a current issue or problem my school has, and allows me to reflect, engage in research, and take action to improve the problem or issue. Once I have identified the issue or problem, I will be able to collaborate with others on my campus and create a solution to the problem. Action research also allows me to gain better insight into my own practices as an administrator and make improvements for my campus.
Administrative inquiry can also help in my professional growth by allowing me to engage in self assessment, and make changes for improvement. I believe that when an administrator takes the time to reflect on themselves, it forces them to devote as much time as possible to one issue or problem, which will enable them to make more effective decisions for the benefit of their students.
Action research is beneficial now as a student as well as a future administrator. Action research is beneficial because it allows me to focus on a current issue or problem my school has, and allows me to reflect, engage in research, and take action to improve the problem or issue. Once I have identified the issue or problem, I will be able to collaborate with others on my campus and create a solution to the problem. Action research also allows me to gain better insight into my own practices as an administrator and make improvements for my campus.
Administrative inquiry can also help in my professional growth by allowing me to engage in self assessment, and make changes for improvement. I believe that when an administrator takes the time to reflect on themselves, it forces them to devote as much time as possible to one issue or problem, which will enable them to make more effective decisions for the benefit of their students.
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